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Wednesday, 31 July 2013

There's nothing really wrong with
it surely?It's just an extreme form of
liking something or someone.

To the exclusion of all else
and/or all others.See!I don't see a problem with that. How could it be wrong?More importantly how can people not succumb
to favouritism? Most likely, they’re
lying if they say that they don’t.

I'm convinced that everyone
surely does it and practices favouritism too.Come on!Let’s be honest.We all having things and people, that we
especially adore and cherish.That are
best-loved, most treasured and prized.It’s
true!Favoured means most loved. Best. Revered. Valued. Prized. Choice. Esteemed. Liked. Popular.

In fact I am so zealous in my quest
for it, that I practice favouritism every single day. I use a favourite fork when I eat. I have a favourite pair of jeans. I even wear my favourite pair of earrings and
use my favourite handbag every blessed day. I have favourite food. Favourite places, books, movies, treats, possessions. Stuff.

And just to show you exactly how
dedicated I am in my relentless and blatant exhibition of favouritism, I have
three favourite kids. I promise! I like them to the exclusion of all others.

Oh, I also like other kids. Lots in fact. But these three in particular are my
favourites by far.

I save my affections for my
favourite man. My husband to be exact.

And though my friends all have
awesome mothers and siblings, and other family members too, I must be honest
and confess that my very own, are my very favourite by far.

Furthermore, given a choice out
of a whole host of people (an entire planet full), I have favourites. My friends. Those that I chose to form a part of my life. And amazingly, they have reciprocated by
choosing me as their favourites too.

How exceptionally lucky am I,
that others subscribe to favouritism as well.As these precious few have included me in their favoured inner circle.

And to those who claim that they
don’t subscribe to favouritism, I give you a challenge.

Extend yourself.Put yourself out there and give your heart.

Because everyone deserves to have
something or someone super special in their lives.And in the same vein, open yourself up to
being someone else’s favourite too.

Monday, 29 July 2013

The poor dear!Though, I suppose being married to old
Gordie, she’d have to be pretty hard core.And is more than likely as tough as old boots. And let's nothing much faze her. Least of all his temper.

Just picture the stress involved in making
him a simple brekkie in the mornings?

“What do you call these #&$@*
eggs???My father can make better eggs
and he’s been dead for 16 years!!!That
yolk is so hard, it could double as a footie ball!And the white is so ^%$#*& rubbery, they
could use it as a slingshot to catapult astronauts to the^%#$@*& moon!!!”.

I which case, I hope she tells
him to sod off and cook his own bloody eggs.Alternatively she could either boot him out of her kitchen, or enslave him
in there for life, forcing him to cook for her.It actually sounds like a rather clever plan to me.Maybe she can critique him instead?

Though possibly he’s a real
pussycat at home.And reserves his
classic Type A competitive behaviour for his work endeavours only?

Traditionally a women’s kitchen
is her castle.Her own personal domain
where she rules the roost.Sometimes the
one spot in the house, where she is the supreme leader of all.And her authority is unquestionable and above
reproof.

Personally kitchen’s don’t really
do it for me.Oh, I like them and the wonderful food that they are able to yield. And I want to rule.But just not kitchens.

I envisage minions.Stretches of fertile land.Rolling hills.Mansions.And no bills within sight.

In fact it sounds heavenly.

As for myself, I always enjoy Gordon
Ramsay’s shows.I wonder what that says
about me?I like the results he
gets.His absolute passion. His enjoyment in mastering his craft. His aim of perfection.His ability to get the very best out of his
people.His knack for spotting potential
and his gift for moulding it into greatness.

And just perhaps Tana Ramsay
doesn’t deserve or need my sympathy.She’s clearly a pretty dynamic woman herself.She has authored a few cooking books of her own,
and is currently hard at work raising FOUR kids, including a set of twins. Yes, four kids. One of them a son, showing a remarkable resemblance to Gordon. And I'm left to wonder if he inherited more than just his father's looks and got the vile temper too?

Sunday, 28 July 2013

The other day my nine year old,
Cole, asked me who his stepdad is. This
despite the fact that Cole's mother and father (that would be Grantie and I)
are very much happily married. And have
been in this state of marital bliss for over seventeen years already. What can I say? He's a really odd little kid.

And I'm afraid to say that I
found it hard to resist the temptation. In
fact I couldn't. The opportunity was too
great. I looked him straight in the eye,
lied point blank, and told him that his stepdad was Brad Pitt.

Does that make me a bad person?

Cole nodded as if he understood. Clearly he has no idea who Brad is and he
accepted my answer quite easily. I'm
assuming he doesn't really understand and grasp the whole stepdad concept. Especially given the fact that the topic has
never come up, his weekends aren't divided between two parental homes and he's
never even met his supposed stepdad. Rather
sad, as it implies that I haven't met his "stepdad" either.

I'm assuming he's picked up on
something at school. Perhaps from one of
his friends who's going through something similar?

It's amazing how sometimes all
kids need, is an answer. Not an
explanation. It is not needed at all and
on occasion is surplus to requirements. They're
quite happy as long as you simply answer their question. End of story.

We live in the Strand and all of
the kids go to school in Somerset West. And since Luke started at Chatterbox
playschool, when he was just three years old (over twelve years ago), we've
driven the same road every single morning. And close to the bend opposite the Hospital and
Peter's Painters, there is a stone wall. A beautiful, magnificently constructed, very
old stone wall. Comprising many
individual stones of all shapes and sizes. It is pretty noticeable on a road where all
the other walls are either made of bricks, vibro-crete, palisading, etc. And from the age of about three, Cole would
ask the same question every single morning. Five mornings a week. "Who made that
wall?". Even worse, he asked the
same question on the way back from school too. And on the way to and from extra-murals. In fact at every opportunity, he'd ask the
dreaded wall question.

And for six solid months I would
explain to him that I didn't know. That
it was impossible for me to find out as the wall had been built many, many
years ago. That who built the wall was
less important that the fact that the wall had been built.I would explain about the stones and the
process, the length of time it would have taken, the workmanship, the work
force, etc.Each time, this led to a ten
minute pointless conversation. He was
super frustrated and would not budge. He
needed to know. And given his dedication
to finding the answer, one can be forgiven for thinking it held real importance
to him.It surely must have.Still, I felt like I was doing everything in
my power.I might not be able to answer
the “who” question, but I certainly tried my best with all the other bits
related to the wall.The bits he never
bothered to ask or even seemed vaguely concerned about.

I found it exhausting and it
became an often heard refrain in the car. With Luke and Amber even joining in, chorus
style saying, "We don’t know Cole!".

Now I'm not proud of it, but one
fine day, I quite simply snapped. Having
heard the same question for the umpteenth time as to "Who built the
wall?", I simply answered Cole with the first name that popped into my
head. I barked at him, "Roger built
the wall!".

To which Cole replied,
"Oh!". And that was that.

It has given us many giggles over
the years. Had I known all those many
mornings ago, that a simple fabricated name would do the trick, I would have
invented the fictitious Roger ages ago.

Cole never asked the question
again. He was satisfied. In fact, after the Roger-fabrication, he would
exclaim with delight on most mornings, "Roger built that wall!", every
time we drove past it.

Many years later, we still
chuckle about Roger's wall. The name has
still stuck.

And perhaps in the same vein, my
Brad Pitt story will become a part of the Cloete folklore too?

I can but only the imagine the
look of disbelief on the face on someone, if the discussion ever comes up, or
the topic is ever raised and Cole pipes up that Brad Pitt is his stepdad.

As if I'd relinquish my kids to
him every second weekend. Brad should be
so lucky.....

Friday, 26 July 2013

Not all of my education was
received at school and university.Nor
in the home of my parents.It can be
said, that a large portion of my knowledge of the world, and how it works, can
be attributed to Disney, Pixar and Dreamworks too.

Animated movies teach us lots!

Thanx to Finding Nemo, I often
catch myself saying the phrase, "Just keep swimming", in the wise
words of the ditzy Dory.Especially when
finding myself feeling overwhelmed, and wanting to just give up, I repeat her
refrain over and over again.And truly
it helps.

Like Grew in Despicable Me, I've
come to appreciate "Light Bulb!" moments every so often.When everything just all of sudden makes
sense.Oprah would have called it an
"Aha" moment.But somehow I
prefer "Light Bulb!" just so much more.It is exceptionally expressive and paints a
picture with words.Simple yet
effective.

The Jungle Book has taught me
that though creature comforts are nice, the "Bare Necessities" will
do just fine and is more than ample.Appreciation for the little things in life is valuable.

With regards to relationships,
Tarzan has taught me that it is equally important for both partners to
compromise.That you can't be someone
other than yourself, to make another person happy.

Ice Age has highlighted the fact
that one fine day, the food might dry up and that it's important to think
ahead.Furthermore, you never know who
you'll end up having around you.And
that you can't always choose your companions.So best you make peace with the lot you've been given.Sometimes the initially unwanted friends, end
up as the very best of friends.The ones
you can’t live without.

I've come to appreciate the
"Circle of life" thanx to the Lion King.There is a time and a place for
everything.People come and people go.

Antz taught me that on my own, I
might not be able to move mountains.But
collectively, combined with a whole bunch of likeminded individuals, given a
common goal, we could move quite a few of them.Being a part of a team is special and gives you power.

The Cat in the Hat taught me to
never leave my kids home alone unintended. Especially on days when the sun was not
sunny.Furthermore it has fostered a
deep mistrust of both cats and things.In particular things called "Thing 1" and "Thing 2".

Thanx to Toy Story I have learnt
to reach for the skies and not feel limited.It has given me the courage to set my sights on going to "Infinity
and beyond!", with the firm belief that it is indeed attainable .

From Shrek I learnt that every
man's home is his Castle and that problems with unwanted squatters even occur
in the animated world.And so I've
protected my swamp with all the means at my disposal.

From Mrs Potato Head in Toy Story
I've learnt the value of women looking out for their men and helping them to
pack for long journeys.Before Mr Potato
Head embarks on a trip she ensures that he has an extra pair of shoes, as well
as his angry eyes - just in case.

The Sharks in Finding Nemo
confirmed my long held suspicions that fish should not be eaten.It cemented my aversions towards them, as
Bruce the shark admonished that "Fish are friends, not food".And hence we have a long history of avoiding
eating fish and instead rather focus on keeping them as pets.

Phileas Fogg, during his
misadventures around the world in 80 days, illustrated the confusion around
time zones.And so I continually strive
to comprehend the concept of daylight savings and the rest of the world turning
their clocks either backwards or forward.Not quite sure I’ll ever figure it out.

Barbie made me appreciate the
value of really good hair and how awesome it can make you feel.It also stressed upon me the importance of
the colours pink and purple.

Asterix and Obelix taught me that
little unsuspecting and apparently insignificant groups of people, like an
indomitable village, can through sheer force of will and unity, hold out
against the masses.And not buckle under
the pressure to conform and follow the herd like sheep.

Happy Feet has shown me that
sometimes the odd person out, the different one, is the only truly special one
around.And so therefore I'm quite happy
to fly my freak flag.I'm loopy and I
know it.

And through Shrek I have learnt
that things don't always work out the way you envision it and that looks aren't
all that's important.That things
sometimes work out exactly the way they should.

Despicable Me has given me a deep
yearning for little yellow capsule shaped minions of my own.They would do my bidding and deal with all
that I ask of them.However they would
utterly adore me.As I would them.

And so I'm sure you'll agree that
there certainly is a place for animated movies in our lives.They teach morals, life lessons and give us a
good laugh in the bargain.

Thursday, 25 July 2013

You know you've got problems,
when the kids outnumber the adults at home.

And at times I feel really sorry
for poor Grant, with the four of us.No,
seriously, I'm usually an adult.Most
times.Well, sometimes.In some ways even more so than Grant.We each have different child-rearing
strengths and areas in which we excel.But luckily we complement one another with our parenting styles and form
a perfect partnership.

Still, the kids do outnumber the
adults three to two.And when it comes
to perseverance and having an eye on a communal child-friendly goal, they do
occasionally join forces and band together in pursuit of their common cause. Clearly, number wise, Grant and I are at a distinct disadvantage.

However, collectively Grant and I
are a respectable 84 and seniority has to count for something.We regularly cash-in our senior citizen chips
and play the age card.Respect your
elders, blah-blah-blah.We're older than
you, blah-blah-blah.We weren't born
yesterday, blah-blah-blah.We were also
once young.This one however does make
them snigger with disbelief as if to say "Impossible!Pull the other one!”This hardly endears them to us.

And as for them?Well, all the three of them can scrounge up
and muster, is a measly 35.They're
practically kids!Hey, hang on a
minute.That's right.They are still kids.And best I don't forget that fact.

I love my kids.I really, really do.But sometimes I feel like they're playing a
game of tag.One that's called,
"let's-tire-the-parents-out-with-our-constant-demands".More than likely, my kids aren't even all
that demanding.And their demands are
also usually pretty reasonable too.But
there just seems so many of them!Children
that is - and I actually really want more.The problem though is their tag game.And like most children's games, it gets old.You know exactly what I mean.One can only play Go-catch-a-fish, Eye Spy or
Hide-and-go-seek so many times.The same
goes for the parental-demands-tag-game too.It somehow makes me want to revert to my own childhood, as I feel like
playing tag too.I want to tap Grant on
the shoulder and say, "It's you!" or "You're it!".But I suspect that he feels the same.

Every so often, I find myself
yearning for a den.Never mind yearning
- I need one.If a silly kids game like “On-On”
can have a den, surely I deserve one too?This is usually the point when I go and hide in the bathroom.It's my sanctuary and my haven.And as a place of safety and reprieve, it is
most certainly adequate.In addition
there is usually fabulous reading material in there and it comes with a lock on
the door.Pity there are no snacks,
though.Still one can't have it all.

So I'm left to wonder how I would
cope if my dearest wish came true and I had another child?Because much as I desire another little body
and person to love, there is the potential that it might just push me over the
edge.

Yet somehow I think I would
indeed cope.I would simply stretch to
accommodate another little person.And
grow another heart.

However I would have to step up
the bathroom security somewhat for my moments of escape.Possibly barbed wire.Maybe electric fencing.

Wednesday, 24 July 2013

The one that bakes her own cupcakes from scratch for cake
sales at school.

The one that reads bedtime stories every single night.

The one that helps to sew costumes for the end of year play.

The one who's house is always perfectly neat every single
second of the day.

The one that hosts end of term class parties for thirty kids
in her back yard.

The one that packs the very nicest lunch boxes on the
playground.

The one that doesn't mind muddy footprints all over her
floors, couches and bedding.

The one that always has tissues in her bag. And plasters too for that matter.

The one that makes super nice posters for kids orals for
school.

The one that wears high heels and lipstick and is perfectly
groomed all of the time.

T

he one that has all the ingredients in the home at any
given time to make a cheese cake, quiche or chocolate brownies too.

No, I'm definitely not THAT mom. I'm THIS one:

The one that walks into birthday parties when she drops her
kids off to make sure that everything's okay. Her teenager wishes the earth would just open
up and swallow her whole.

The one that touches base with teachers regularly and makes
sure her kids are academically on track.

The one that is super affectionate and praises her kids a
lot.

The one that packs healthy school lunches. The one that helps with make-up, hair and painting of props for concerts. The one that screams the loudest at sports matches.

The one that understands the value of letting them bump
their own heads every so often.

The one that takes zillions of photo's just about every
single day.

The one that is anal about manners.

The one that makes them greet people and make eye contact.

The one that teaches them to do things properly and not half
hearted.

The one that teaches them about consequences to their
actions and following through.

The one that plays sport with them in the back garden.

The one that indulges in movie days with them, where they all
mooch on the couch eating popcorn and junk.

The one that strives to be consistent. The goofy mom, that laughs a lot (mostly at herself) and likes to be silly. The mom that always sees the bright side and is positive and upbeat. The one that supports her kids in all that they do. The one that is willing to stand up for her kids.

The one that very often says, "Sorry for you!"
when they whinge about something or other.

The one that doesn't give them everything they want. But instead strives to give them everything
they need.And very often they have to
wait.

The one that ensure that her kids know, that though they are
the most important people in her world, they are not the only people in her
world.Her life is bigger than just them
and she has other interests too.

The one that’s inquisitive and asks them about their day.

The one that forces them to do homework and go to school
every single day – no sickies allowed.

The one that makes conversation with their friends.

The one that doesn’t make arrangements with fellow teenagers
or kids’ friends, but rather with their mothers.

The one that likes set bedtimes in the week, but is super
flexible on the weekends.

The one that is fond of saying, “I’m the mother.It’s not a popularity contest.You don’t have to like me, but you do have to
listen to me and obey”.

The one that teaches her kids about delayed gratification - as the best things in life are often worth waiting for.

The one that makes pancakes for supper as a treat every so
often.

I’m the mom that’s not perfect by any stretch of the
imagination.

But I’m the mom that tries my best.And that loves with all of my heart.

Tuesday, 23 July 2013

I fear for my health and my
sanity, as I may not survive the teenage years.

I do believe that few things are
a more accurate form of birth control, than being subjected to the draining
presence of teenagers, for long periods of time.Though I could be wrong.Possibly short periods of time are sufficient
too.And equally effective.Jeez, they are able to simply suck the joy
right out of life.In fact, the very air
around them goes rank.But perhaps that
is more hygiene related?

They’re hard done by.The world is against them.Life is unfair.Parents are mean.Siblings are annoying.School is a drag.Teachers even more so.What do they know?They yearn for independence.Having their own means to get around.They want more money.They want only cool stuff.Brand names are big.Bargain hunting is lame.Curfews are old fashioned.Bed times archaic.Why can’t they sleep late?Chores are for children way younger than
them.Adults are annoying.Moms and dads are super embarrassing.They dress old.They act old. They say uncool things.They’re rigid and unbending, when they’ve
lain down the law.They faff about silly
things like homework and projects.And
starting them way in advance.They force
you to eat nasty food like veggies and whinge when you use all the hot water in
the house.

Now I can’t really speak for girl
teenagers, as my “little” girl is now still only in the tween phase.However at eleven, the rolling eyeball thing
has already started.The occasional tone
of annoyance is slowly creeping in.

But as for boy teenagers – this
is my take.They’re the trifecta.The triple “H”.They’re Hairy, Hormonal and quite often
rather Horrible.It’s all about them,
them, them.They’re oblivious about
others and the need to be considerate.They feel that life has given them a raw deal.That they always get the shortest end of the
stick.They mooch about, scavenging for
food.They NEED something sweet to eat,
right now!They could live on a diet
combined of Hot Chocolate, Two-Minute Noodles, Chocolates and Sweets.Though to be fair, pasta is rather popular
too.

Life revolves around their
sport.And the teams they support.The only “meaningful” conversations I have
with Luke are about his much beloved soccer.Who’s transferring to which team.At what cost.Why it’s a good
move.What impact it will have on the
team.The far reaching consequences it
will have on absolutely everything.He
even talks to me about the new club kit for each team, every new season.So, I suppose in a manner, he’s showing an
interest in fashion?I often find myself
saying to him, “Is this real life?Or in
your game”.Because not only does soccer
in real life consume him.But the soccer
on his PlayStation game is able to do the same.Seriously!!!

Still, teenager-dom comes with a
few perks.I now have a built-in
babysitter in residence.If only I had a
life of my own and needed him more often.Still on the odd occasion when we do go out, he can hold down the
fort.Though I find it rather funny to
learn from Amber and Cole that he is particularly strict.Too funny!He’s tall and so can help me reach things I simply can’t.When Grant needs help with boy stuff, like carrying,
etc. he now calls Luke, instead of little old me.He’s also a bit of a techie and is my
“online-technical-support” for most things computer and cell phone related.

Perhaps the important thing to
remember, is that all teenagers go through this very awkward phase.Myself included, in my very far back past.And for now I’m soothing myself with the
knowledge that this too shall pass.

Though in an odd way, I don’t
want it to either.Luke is growing up
far too fast for my liking.He keeps on
reminding me that “It’s so cool, in three and a half years I can move out of
home”.It scares the living daylights
out of me.How can it be true?

But even more importantly, once
he’s gone, to whom will I talk about soccer (my least favourite sport in all of
the world)?In a strange way, it is our
little bond and a ritual, as I get my daily soccer injection from Luke.On our travels to and from school and
extra-murals.And last thing at night
before he slips into bed.Because even
though we are not really talking about something close to my heart, or of real
interest to me, we are talking none the less.And in a strange way, I am finding my soccer knowledge ever
expanding.

And in between all of the soccer
facts and figures, I get the odd little snippet of real conversation too.And these I will miss.

I remember being a teenager.It was not easy.But from experience I now know, that being
the mom of a teenager is not easy either.

My mom survived three
teenagers.And now, by an odd stroke of
fate, she’s finding herself rearing another one. It is rather strange, that at the very same
time, my mom, my sister and I are all raising teens.

And so I have a built-in support
system of sorts, as we’re all going through the same stuff.Not in my wildest dreams would I ever have
imagined this scenario.

It just goes to show, that being a teenager does eventually pass. Somehow my mom is still here to tell the tale and share her wisdom. Even more amazing, I'm still here too. Which is an incredible testament to her powers of restraint. And my survival instinct too.

A while ago, I wrote a blog for my little daughter,
Amber-Berry.Filled to the brim, with
handy advice.Stuff I wanted her to
know.From the prosaic, to the
practical.Knowledge I wanted to impart
on her, as I thought it might make her journey easier. Lessons I wanted her to know.Wisdoms that could make her travels on the
road of life less bumpy.Some of the
stuff was for now while she's still small.Some of the stuff's for when she's bigger.Still everything I felt that was important
for her to know was included.Sort of a
textbook or memo for life.

But am I not the mother of two awesome boys?Don't my sons deserve the same?And somehow, what's applicable for Amber, is
not necessarily applicable for the boys.And therefore I gave it a bit of thought and compiled their very own
list for them.

Flowers – the fairer of the species love them.They brighten up a home, and few things make
a woman feel more special than a guy spending money on something as frivolous and
fun as flowers.Especially when they don’t
actually get the point in them at all, and are still doing it.

Compliments - genuinely given.Say them only if you mean them and your
sincerity while shine through.It is
good to give praise where praise is due.

Attention to detail – boys are not always inclined to do
this, unless it affects them directly, yet attention to details and the little
things in life, has enormous yields on many different fields.

Sweating the small stuff – this is really important, as it
is the little things that really count.

Don't under value the importance of romance.It’s not sissy stuff.Furthermore, don’t just indulge for the sake
of your partner.I suspect that you will
find yourself enjoying it as well, if you let yourself and immerse yourself
into it.

Nothing ever makes a bum look big.NOTHING.If you’re ever asked this question, I would like to advise you, that
though I taught you to never lie, occasionally it is permitted.This is one such example.

Don't compare whatever she's cooked with your mom's
cooking.Boys let’s be honest, firstly
my cooking’s not all that great.Secondly, how long has she been cooking compared to me?I’ll be happy to share any of my recipes for
your favourite meals and teach her how to cook it to perfection.

Every so often relinquish the remote - it will gain you many
brownie points.Think of the long term
gains in doing this.Major kudo’s.

Put the loo seat down - your father is really good at this,
and he’s taught you well.Don’t slip
back.Many women find this super
annoying.

Understand that vegetables are food – meat forms only one
part of a healthy, balanced diet.Salads
and fruit are great and you guys love them, but veggies are important too.And no, potato chips, though made from
vegetables, don’t count as a part of your daily veggie portion.Attempt to eat a robot every day.Something red, yellow and green –
veggie-wise, that is.Not Smarties.

Sport is not a religion or a cult.It's just sport.Occasionally your favourite team or player
will lose.This is not the end of the
world or a great catastrophe - it's just sport.I understand passion and value it, yet winning is not everything.Being humble in defeat is even more
important, than being elated when victorious.You are both awesome sportsmen and I am sure will remain so forever
more.

Ask for directions – this is acceptable and will in no way
impact on your manhood.This does not
make you emasculated.It makes you no
longer lost.

Be a gentleman – this is not effeminate.Only truly masculine men, can do this
properly.

Wife-beater/strappy t-shirts are not cool. Very few guys can pull it off. Wear with caution.

Women have an inherent disability when it comes to verbally
describing which way a tap opens and closes.The same indiscretion also applies to screws, etc.Please be patient when it comes to this.

In general, women are not super observant when it comes to
all things automotive.This is not
intentional, as women are just wired different.They don’t hear rattles, squeaks, the shot exhaust, the scraping noise
under the hood, as well as the funny clicking, wheezing, whistling sound.Please make allowances for this, and fully
take charge of any cars that your family drive one day.

Understand this – bubble baths serve a purpose.Actually scrap that.You don’t have to understand this – just
accept it.Running a bubble bath for
your lady is an awesome thing to do.

Be kind to elderly people and babies - chicks really dig
this.It shows compassion, and empathy
and it goes a long way.You are both
caring people.Don’t be afraid to show
your softer side.

It's not fair, but there are double standards in this
world.Girls and boys are not judged by
the same measuring stick.Don't kiss and
tell.Girls' reputations are easily
ruined.

Although we live in a modern era, where it is acceptable for
a girl to ask a boy out, girls still like to be wooed.To feel special.Make the extra effort, it’s worthwhile.

When it comes to women - if something is wrong, don't always try to fix things. Sometimes it is best to just listen, sympathise and give a good cuddle.

Speed kills. Drinking and driving too. Don't do it. You can phone me any time of the day or night, and I'll simply fetch you.

Shortcuts are great, though sometimes the long way is so
much better.

If you undertake to do something, give it your all.Finish it with pride, so that you will be
able to step back when it’s done, with a feeling of accomplishment.

When it comes to nail polish, lipstick and lip gloss, there
is a difference between Nude, Bare Nude, Barely Nude and Bare Nudely.The wise man knows this and listens when his
lady asks him which is the prettiest.

Please don’t bottle your emotions up.Set them free and release them.Bottled up feelings, turn poisonous if left
to their own devices too long.Rather
acknowledge them and work through them.You will find it so healing, just letting them out.

You don’t have to be brave all the time.No one can be.It is okay to admit that you are scared or
unsure.If you need help, just ask for
it.Too much emphasis is placed on
pride.If someone came to you for help,
it would make you boys feel great and I know you would help.Give someone else the same opportunity.

Love with passion.With all of your heart.If the
person is right, don’t be scared to commit.It will open your world right up if you do and give meaning to it
all.What is the point in life
otherwise?

We all want nice stuff.It’s human nature.Though be
mindful of not making gods out of your possessions.It’s just stuff and can be replaced.People, however can’t.Be sure to be mindful of that.

Surround yourself with good people.You can enrich your life so much by doing
just that.There are toxic people out
there, who can suck you dry.They can
tap you of your joy, and take you down with them.Try to avoid them.

Goodness begets goodness. As simple as that.

Choose your friends wisely.They will outlive us, your parents, and will be your family in your
later years.Choose friends with similar
values.These values are universal
across racial, ethnic, cultural and fiscal borders.Have friends that are likeminded.That also love and like you for you.

If you are able to help those less fortunate than yourself,
do so.You will gain more emotionally and
spiritually from your generosity, than you are giving away.

Read – it feeds your soul and makes your world bigger.

Speedo’s are never a good choice of swimming apparel.They’re nasty and real passion-killers.

When you get to that age, do trim your nose and ear
hairs.It happens to most men and it’s
not cool to grow the fur all over your face.Beards are fine, but a bush or tree sprouting from your nose or ears,
are not fine.

Try not to become cynical and jaded – see everything with
unprejudiced eyes and look for the goodness around you.

If you go shopping and you don’t find parking immediately,
just exercise patience.A spot will
indeed become available soon.Having to
wait a few minutes, will not damage you.

Irrespective of your achievements in life, remain humble and
thankful for all that you have.

Moderation in all things is good.Excess breeds contempt and familiarity.Too much of a good thing is never
advisable.However, this does not go for
love.In love, go big or go home.Do it with all of your heart.

Be adventurous.This
is a good thing.However, exercise
caution at the same time.

Learn not to buckle under peer pressure.Saying no and declining on occasion, is a
greater measure of the strength of your character, than simply going with the
flow.Don’t succumb to pressure to fit
in.

It is good to cause ripples and waves every so often.People will show greater respect for you,
than if you’re simply one of the herd.

Be respectful to all who come on your path.

Don’t judge a book by its cover.Look deeper and find the beauty within.

Always remember your manners – they go a long way.

Look people straight in the eye, and remember to give men a
firm handshake.Limpness is never good.

Cherish your kids while they’re small.Take it from me – they grow up far too fast.

Always make time for old friends.

Make meaningful bonds and connections with people.

When you move out of home, remember to wash your bedding
regularly.The same goes for your
towels.

Don’t be that guy – the one that doesn’t call.Rather just make the call and say it’s not
working for you.

Don’t speak badly of people – the wheel turns and it will
come back to you.

Be honourable in all your dealings with people.Your good name is precious – keep it so.

Respect women.Always.End of story.

Wear clean underwear every day.

Don’t pull your nose up at hard physical labour.

Don’t be afraid to start at the bottom and work your way up.

Always try and save some money for a rainy day.When you become adults, you’ll learn to
appreciate the fact that rainy days can often turn out to be monsoons, and last
for long periods of time.Be prepared.

Few things are more attractive in a man than the ability to
cook.I shall have to pull my socks up
and teach you more, as two-minute-noodles and toast is hardly likely to impress
many.

A great sense of humour is one of the most amazing qualities
to have.Especially if you learn to
laugh at yourself and not take life too seriously.

There is actually so much more I would like to gift you
boys.So many more wisdoms to pass
on.But perhaps the above is a start. And you'll figure the rest out along the way.

My wish for you is a good, full and happy life. May it treat you kindly and love you as much
as I do.